Rating: 
Summary: Why isn't Sean Astin better known?
Review: This was the first movie I ever bought. Really good stuff, in a number of ways. One of the more difficult issues, the issue of his hometown love interest, is dealt with very well. It could be shown as a minor subplot, but they do a good job with it. I am reminded of the love-story element to "Stir of Echoes" -- if you have found love, and the peace that goes with it, at what point do you stop seeking more in your life, in other ways?But the main thing here is Rudy's bulldog determination to keep moving forward. I cried watching this. He just keeps asking "Have I done all that I can do?" again and again, every time he hits an obstacle. I can't even believe this is a true story. If they had a Nobel prize for Human Spirit, this guy would have my vote. Supporting character actors all do a good job here. Even the sleazeball older brother seems to have some character development by the end. Rudy's buddy who wants to be a lawyer is hilarious, and the groundskeeper who helps out unobtrusively is inspiring, as an example of how we can all help one another in small, invisible ways. Just a totally great movie in all ways. If you think it's too melodramatic, or simplistic, then face it, you are too sophisticated, and you need to get back in touch with whatever your inner dreams are, or ever were. END
Rating: 
Summary: Nothing is impossible, if you never give up.
Review: Rudy is based on a true story. In a sense it is about the struggle to break out of one's class. But I prefer to think of it as a vivid example of what can be achieved through pure dedication to a goal.
Rudy Ruettiger, played by Sean Astin, is one of many children born into a lower class family of steel mill workers. Not surprisingly the family is devoted to football, specifically the team from their local university, Notre Dame. Sprouting from this base of economic hardship and team idolatry, a dream is born. Rudy, at a very young age, makes up his mind that he will one day play on his families favourite team.
It is clear to everyone except Rudy that he has no chance. He is small, poor and not overly bright. He doesn't even show any brilliance playing high school football, although he plays with unmatched enthusiasm. So the avenues open to him which would allow entry into the Notre Dame football team seem non existent.
I particularly like the scene where Rudy's Dad, Danny, played by Ned Beatty, tries to convince him to aim at a more modest target. He describes how his own Father, an immigrant, gambled his whole life savings on a farm during the depression. Naturally he lost everything. This taught Danny the value of caution and the danger of dreams. But it is water off a ducks back to Rudy.
Never giving up, Rudy struggles to take any avenue which would bring him closer to his goal. Whilst most people that he meets actively discourage him, a few seem to see, with wonder, the strength of his conviction. He is portrayed as a single minded man, yes. But he also has a lot of compassion. What a great example he makes of how one can assert the right to fight for a goal whilst still holding out a helping hand to others along the way.
In a word, this film is inspirational. If you feel the world is getting to be too much to handle, watch Rudy. I guarantee you will feel recharged.
Rating:
Summary: GREAT, EVEN IF YOU DONT LIKE AMERICAN FOOTBALL!
Review: I must admit I'm not a fan of American football, I acctually hate the sport, but I definetally dont hate this great movie. It is about a young man that has a dream to play for Notre Dame. Its a great movie because it shows you if you really fight for something you can acomplish it. You dont have to like American football to love this movie.
Rating:
Summary: This is a MUST SEE movie for anyone.....
Review: I just finished watching "Rudy" on cable for about the fifth time, and came here to order a copy for myself. I'm totally not interested in football or Notre Dame. I didn't hear anything about this movie when it came out. None of the actors in this film had ever drawn considerable attention to their work from my perspective. But, and this is a BIG but, I think this is one of the finest films ever made because it reminds all of us of something important. Without overtly drawing our attention to Rudy and his problems, we're allowed to experience them firsthand and understand at the end of the film that it's not the achievement of the goal that is the payoff, but the journey along the way that makes the difference. Thanks Rudy for reminding us.....
Rating:
Summary: A Movie to Remember
Review: I can't remember how many times i've seen this movies... possibly over 20 times... and every time I watch it, i've cried and i've cheered. I must say that this movies has inspired me like no other movies has. It's an incredible feeling that I cannot explain in a few sentences. Rudy has touched so many people and i feel compelled to say that yes, everyone should watch this movies because it is a movies that will last in your memories forever. Rudy is a gift that I can only hope that everyone will have and cherish. It is a gift that will forever take a part of my life and I hope yours too. Thank you Rudy for the great memories.
Rating:
Summary: Rudy touches the heart and soul of the Spirit of Oklahoma!
Review: The film accurately portrays the Spirit of Oklahoma! While set in Notre Dame, Indiana, "Rudy" is really about the son of an oil refinery worker and third of 14 children, Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger, who rose from valleys of discouragement and despair to the pinnacles of success. This is alot like Oklahoma! Today, Rudy is one of the most popular motivational speakers in the United States. It took years of fierce determination to overcome obstacles and criticisms, yet Rudy achieved his first dream-going to Notre Dame and playing football for the Fighting Irish. As fans cheered RU-DY, RU-DY, he sacked the quarterback in the last 27 seconds of the only play of the only game of his college football career. He is the only player in the school's history to be carried off the field on his teammates' shoulders. Go, Rudy and thanks for the tears.
Rating:
Summary: Definitely A Pick-Me-Up
Review: I knew nothing about this movie, but I picked up the jacket, and I thought that it would be interesting. Wow! it was powerful. I am not a football fan, nor do I know anything about the game, but I can share the spirit of Notre Dame wins. You do not need to know anything about football to love Rudy. It evoked laughter and tears while I was watching it on a sunny February afternoon. Strong friendships and love were strongly portrayed in RUDY. Strangely, I could identify with Rudy. I returned to school in my mature years to obtain my bachelors and my master's just prior to my 60th birthday. Like Rudy with the very brilliant student at Holy Cross College, the strong friendship was formed, I formed a buddy system with some of the young students at Fordham, and down the line, I made lasting friendships with these young students. The same type of buddy system existed for me in graduate school. The great football players for Notre Dame respected the wonderful spirit and knowledgeability of Rudy. The young students I respected their sharpness, and they in turn respected all the experience I had to bring to school in my mature years. Rudy was no competition really for the top players, but he was able to steadfastly hold his own. I was no competition for some of the young students, but I was a solid B+ student who could her own. Yes, I did shed a few tears about this movie, but I came away from it feeling very happy. Would I watch it again. Absoootoootely!
Rating:
Summary: Made from the Best Stuff On Earth: faith, hope and love.
Review: My favorite film of 1999 was OCTOBER SKY (okay, I loved The Green Mile, but let me explain...) It therefore is no wonder that my favorite film of 1993 was RUDY. Sure, there are few surprises. But that's the point: both films force the audience to focus on what truly matters in life--character forged by perseverence. Whenever films tell these types of real-life "underdog" stories with all of the expertise of the Hollywood-storytelling machine, the result is pure gold. Absolutely an indespenable MUST-SEE for those who value truly great stories about subjects and themes that truly matter.
Rating:
Summary: Rudy-A Dream Come True
Review: Truly an underated movie. Undescribable. It is just an excellent movie. Seriously this movie will give you goosebumps and/or tears every single time you watch it. It gives me tears. It just shows what one can do if he tries. Don't give up hope. A great theme. Truly a great movie.
Rating:
Summary: We watch this movie once a year
Review: I hope my kids will learn these lessons: Don't let anybody tell you you can't do something. Sometimes there's no substitute for good old stubbornness.
|
